Molds/Tools
Getting part dimensions right in composites molding
Guest columnists Dr. Göran Fernlund (left) and Dr. Anoush Poursartip (right) of Convergent Manufacturing Technologies (Vancouver, BC, Canada) argue that today's CAD design and process simulation software can construct a "multi-physic process model" accurate enough for reliable dimensional management.
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Composite tooling without oven or autoclave
No Oven No Autoclave technology has been demonstrated in tooling for NASA, including multiple thermal cycles and use for curing epoxy infused out-of-autoclave parts.
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Tooling (2015)
Composite parts are formed in molds, also known as tools. Tools can be made from virtually any material. The material type, shape and complexity depend upon the part and length of production run. Here's a short summary of the issues involved in electing and making tools.
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Composites business does grow on trees
This advanced composites contractor welcomes down-to-earth opportunities to bring aerospace quality to fantasy foliage.
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Low-rate layup tools made cost-effective with high-density polyurethane foam blocks
Nemesis Air Racing, an air racing team and kit-plane company owned and operated by Jon and Patricia Sharp, use prebonded closed-cell, polyurethane foam blocks to build the Nemesis NXT.
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Maximum thrills: Minimal tools
Water slide manufacturer’s disastrous fire loss opens door to a closed molding process that reduces the number — and cost — of production molds, promising future gain.
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Tooling up for larger launch vehicles
NASA and Janicki Industries demonstrate composites’ cost advantage in tooling for fabrication of 10m/33 ft diameter payload fairing for next-generation launch vehicle.
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Revisioning the Viper: Clamshell hood challenge
Autoclave-cured carbon-fiber prepreg hood/fender combo proves as technically formidable as it is visually stunning.
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Janicki Industries: Breaking the mold
Once known only as a toolmaker, Janicki offers unique precision, production capability and problem solving as it pioneers leading-edge composites technology.
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Building a better tail boom
Out-of-autoclave carbon fiber/thermoplastic demonstrator is a 30 percent lighter drop-in replacement for an existing aluminum design.
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